I have not felt joy like this in a long time. I’m not sure why this hit me so hard, but hearing the whooping and celebrating at Oceti Sakowin literally brought tears to my eyes (here's a cool 360˚ look at the celebration). This is a HUGE victory for Native American rights, the rights of indigenous people everywhere, the environment, the fight against corporate interests over human life, Mother Earth, and most importantly…humanity! The people came together and made this happen. This only happened because of the attention and peaceful resistance and information dissemination amongst the people. Incredible respect to the Native American elders that held it all together against all odds as they imparted their incredible wisdom and guidance to the brave water protectors both at camp and around the world. My time at Standing Rock was one of the most memorable experiences of my life. I remember nothing but love, prayer, celebration of life, ceremony, and unity throughout that entire camp. It was one of, if not THE, most touching thing I’ve ever had the pleasure to be a part of. And watching and listening to these cries of celebration, my only regret is that I was unable to be there with them for this announcement.

This is beautiful.

Thanks so much to Bernie Sanders, Tulsi Gabbard, Josh Fox, Erin Schrode, Cornel West, the 2000+ veterans that showed up, Leonardo DiCaprio, Kevin Gilbertt, Mark Ruffalo, Jane Fonda, and all those with a loud and listened to voice for being on the right side of history and tirelessly bringing the world’s attention to Standing Rock, ultimately leading to the Army Corps of Engineers to deny the permit for the easement that the black snakes was after, while simultaneously recognizing that they did not provide sufficient examination of the pipeline’s route and it’s affect on the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe’s Reservation lands, sacred sites, and natural resources.

And most importantly, thank you to the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and the over 200 tribes that came to Standing Rock in solidarity with the water protectors. Thank you for continuing to be beautiful and your struggle to lead us back to the source of our life and our being…Mother Nature. We have a lot to learn from you, and perhaps this can be remembered as the event that woke the Wasichu out of our slumber.

This type of unity is unprecedented, but it has shown and proven that together, especially in this day and age, against all odds, we have a voice.

People Power!

One love!!

Now while this is a MAJOR VICTORY for the progressive and environmental movements, we must remain vigilant, for as of January 20, 2017, when Donald Trump takes office, things are going to get MUCH MUCH more difficult on these fronts. But we must remember, it was after the extreme darkness of the Bush era that led us into this light, and I am giddy to see what the next era of post-darkness is going to bring.